scholarly journals Using Digital Games for Enhancing EFL Grammar and Vocabulary in Higher Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (20) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Luz Castillo-Cuesta
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Digital Games ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Southern Ecuador ◽  
English Major ◽  
Frame Work ◽  
The Common ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Analyze Data

The purpose of this study is to analyze the use of digital games to enhance English as a Foreign Language (EFL) grammar and vocabulary in the English Major of Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, in southern Ecuador. A total of 68 students from B1 level, according to the Common European Frame-work of Reference for Languages (CEFR), participated in this study. All the par-ticipants were enrolled in two different classes of a Communicative Grammar course. A mixed-method approach was used to collect and analyze data in this study. Pre and post-questionnaires as well as writing rubrics were applied as in-struments. Digital games were implemented throughout an academic term of 5 months in which students received permanent feedback. The results show that digital games were useful to improve learners´ grammar in aspects concerning the use of modals, gerunds, and infinitives; also, students showed an improvement in their vocabulary knowledge, especially in topics related to jobs and education.

scholarly journals Demotivating Factors of Indonesian College Students to Learn English as A Foreign Language

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Reza Anggriyashati Adara
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
English Language ◽  
The Other ◽  
English Speaker ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Method Approach

Investigating demotivating factors can help teachers to avoid them and provide more insights on sustaining learners’ interest in FL learning. The present study aimed to analyse demotivating factors in FL learning. To obtain the findings, the present study applied a mixed method approach. A set of questionnaires adapted from Sakai and Kikuchi’s (2009) questionnaires were distributed to thirty eight university students whereas interviews were conducted to three of them. The findings indicated teacher’s competence and lack of intrinsic motivation as the most salient factors that caused demotivation among the participants. In this consideration, teachers were perceived as incompetent by the participants when teachers have poor English pronunciation and do not provide communicative classrooms. On the other hand, lack of intrinsic motivation was indicated by the loss of students’ interest in learning and their goal to be an English speaker. Providing a communicative classroom with a fluent teacher as well as promoting students’ interest in English language and culture seem to be the solutions to reduce students’ demotivation. [Penelitian tentang faktor-faktor yang menurunkan motifasi (demotivation) dapat membantu para guru untuk menghindari factor-faktor tersebut dan memberikan wawasan untuk mempertahankan minat peserta didik dalam pembelajaran bahasa asing. Penelitian ini menganalisis faktor demotivasi dalam pembelajaran Bahasa asing. Untuk memperoleh jawaban dari beberapa pertanyaan, penelitian ini menerapkan pendekatan metode campuran. Seperangkat kuesioner yang diadaptasi dari model Sakai dan Kikuchi (2009) didistribusikan kepada tiga puluh delapan mahasiswa sedangkan wawancara dilakukan terhadap tiga dari mahasiswa tersebut. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa kompetensi guru dan kurangnya motivasi intrinsik merupakan faktor yang paling menonjol yang menyebabkan demotivasi di antara para peserta. Dalam hal ini, guru dianggap tidak kompeten oleh para peserta ketika guru memiliki pelafalan bahasa Inggris yang buruk dan tidak menyediakan ruang kelas yang komunikatif. Di sisi lain, kurangnya motivasi intrinsik ditunjukkan oleh hilangnya minat siswa dalam belajar dan tujuan mereka untuk berbicara dalam bahasa Inggris. Menyediakan ruang kelas yang komunikatif dengan guru yang fasih serta mempromosikan minat siswa dalam bahasa dan budaya Inggris tampaknya menjadi solusi untuk mengurangi demotivasi siswa]

scholarly journals A Promoting EFL Learners’ Linguistic Competence via Videogame Play-Trace Effects: An Empirical Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-72
Author(s):  
Rozhgar Jalal Khidhir ◽  
Hussein Ali Wali
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
English Language ◽  
Linguistic Competence ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
The University ◽  
Method Approach

The current study is an experimental digital game-based (DGBL) endeavor which tackles potential educational issues beyond the frequent use of games, language learning potentials in particular. It has used a mixed method approach, i.e., quantitative and qualitative. The study aims at exploring the practical effects of videogame play, Trace Effect, on improving the players’ linguistic competence. It is hypothesized that (playing videogame cannot create any difference of performance between groups of subject matters for improving English language learning. The study has concluded the followings; overall inferential statistics confirmed that playing videogame can effectively get into the improvement process of teaching English as a foreign language to the university students. On the other hand, playing the videogame, Trace Effects, has formed the solely major cause of improvement and learning in the following domains, creating friendly fascinating atmosphere, upgrading technological skills, increasing motivation towards learning, making use of homework as a form of external extensive activity, forming semi-independent learning, and practicing and virtual reality of the second/foreign language’s culture.

scholarly journals Use of Language Learning Strategies by Indian Learners of Spanish as A Foreign Language

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Philominraj ◽  
Ranjeeva Ranjan ◽  
Rodrigo Arellano Saavedra ◽  
Gaurav Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Path ◽  
The Common ◽  
Common Learning ◽  
Strategic Training ◽  
Descriptive Framework

Learning a foreign language in a non-native context is both a challenging and difficult task. This learning encompasses many processes and follows different trajectories. One of the offshoots of these processes is the strategies used by the learners in their learning route. During the last forty-five years, the research in the learning strategies field has grown many folds and has contributed to our understanding of how the learners use these tools in their learning path. This article examines some of the common language learning strategies (LLS) employed by the students while learning Spanish as a foreign language (SFL) at two major Central Universities of India. The present study is carried out by using a mixed-method under the descriptive framework in which the common learning strategies have been analyzed and discussed. In terms of the higher proficient group, the result shows no statistically significant differences in the use of LLS, on the contrary, concerning the year of study, there were statistically significant differences in the use of LLS among the three groups. Finally, regarding the effectiveness of the use of LLS among the participants, the results underlined a need for explicit or implicit strategic training.

scholarly journals Millennials as Dictionary Users: A Study of Dictionary Use Habits of Serbian EFL Students

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402110084
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Knežević ◽  
Sabina Halupka-Rešetar ◽  
Ivana Miškeljin ◽  
Mira Milić
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Unknown Words ◽  
Dictionary Use ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Method Approach

The article addresses the use of dictionaries among the new millennium generation of English as a foreign language (EFL) undergraduates. Applying the mixed-method approach (a questionnaire and interviews), the study examines the frequency of dictionary use, the types of dictionaries used, activities initiating dictionary consultation, information searched for, and problems faced in using dictionaries. The findings suggest that the participants are most fond of bilingual online dictionaries and use them mostly for looking up the meaning of unknown words. They also show that despite being high consumers of technology, participants do not benefit much from online dictionaries, as they neglect most of the entry information. The qualitative data reveal that the participants perceive various digital tools of questionable quality as online dictionaries. Overall, the study sheds light on the characteristic behavior of the new generation of EFL learners regarding their dictionary use and points to the necessity of developing their digital competence in the realm of dictionary use.

scholarly journals Demotivating Factors of Indonesian College Students to Learn English as A Foreign Language

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Reza Anggriyashati Adara
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
English Language ◽  
The Other ◽  
English Speaker ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Method Approach

Investigating demotivating factors can help teachers to avoid them and provide more insights on sustaining learners’ interest in FL learning. The present study aimed to analyse demotivating factors in FL learning. To obtain the findings, the present study applied a mixed method approach. A set of questionnaires adapted from Sakai and Kikuchi’s (2009) questionnaires were distributed to thirty eight university students whereas interviews were conducted to three of them. The findings indicated teacher’s competence and lack of intrinsic motivation as the most salient factors that caused demotivation among the participants. In this consideration, teachers were perceived as incompetent by the participants when teachers have poor English pronunciation and do not provide communicative classrooms. On the other hand, lack of intrinsic motivation was indicated by the loss of students’ interest in learning and their goal to be an English speaker. Providing a communicative classroom with a fluent teacher as well as promoting students’ interest in English language and culture seem to be the solutions to reduce students’ demotivation. [Penelitian tentang faktor-faktor yang menurunkan motifasi (demotivation) dapat membantu para guru untuk menghindari factor-faktor tersebut dan memberikan wawasan untuk mempertahankan minat peserta didik dalam pembelajaran bahasa asing. Penelitian ini menganalisis faktor demotivasi dalam pembelajaran Bahasa asing. Untuk memperoleh jawaban dari beberapa pertanyaan, penelitian ini menerapkan pendekatan metode campuran. Seperangkat kuesioner yang diadaptasi dari model Sakai dan Kikuchi (2009) didistribusikan kepada tiga puluh delapan mahasiswa sedangkan wawancara dilakukan terhadap tiga dari mahasiswa tersebut. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa kompetensi guru dan kurangnya motivasi intrinsik merupakan faktor yang paling menonjol yang menyebabkan demotivasi di antara para peserta. Dalam hal ini, guru dianggap tidak kompeten oleh para peserta ketika guru memiliki pelafalan bahasa Inggris yang buruk dan tidak menyediakan ruang kelas yang komunikatif. Di sisi lain, kurangnya motivasi intrinsik ditunjukkan oleh hilangnya minat siswa dalam belajar dan tujuan mereka untuk berbicara dalam bahasa Inggris. Menyediakan ruang kelas yang komunikatif dengan guru yang fasih serta mempromosikan minat siswa dalam bahasa dan budaya Inggris tampaknya menjadi solusi untuk mengurangi demotivasi siswa]

scholarly journals PENGGUNAAN MEDIA BERBASIS ICT DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATA KULIAH BAHASA INGGRIS UNTUK AUD

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Ratna Purwanti ◽  
Asmi Rusmanayanti
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Response ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Made In

AbstrakDi dalam proses pembelajaran pengajar perlu mengubah media pembelajaran dengan menggunakan ICT (Information and Communication of Technology) untuk meningkatkan kualitas dan efisiensi di dalam proses pembelajaran, salah satunya yaitu Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD. Di Indonesia, belajar bahasa asing adalah proses yang terintegrasi. Akan tetapi, permasalahan yang terjadi adalah banyak siswa menganggap Bahasa Inggris sulit untuk dipelajari, terutama belajar di luar jam sekolah. Sehingga, dengan penggunaan media berbasis ICT dapat mengurangi pemikiran secara bertahap tentang sulitnya Bahasa Inggris. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengeksplorasi penggunaan media berbasis ICT baik komputer atau perangkat seluler dalam meningkatkan keterampilan Bahasa Inggris di proses pembelajaran Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan metode campuran dengan subyek 35 siswa yang dijadikan sampel di Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD kelas VI A tahun 2019/2020, PG PAUD FKIP ULM. Data akan dikumpulkan melalui kuesioner dan wawancara serta observasi yang dilakukan di kelas oleh dua penilai yang berbeda untuk menghindari bias. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa siswa memiliki tanggapan positif terhadap penggunaan ICT (aplikasi MALL) di dalam pembelajaran Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD. Hasil penelitian ini dapat digunakan sebagai alternatif dalam pembelajaran Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD dengan menggunakan ICT.Kata Kunci : ICT, Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris              Abstract In the learning process educators need to change learning media by using ICT (Information and Communication of Technology) to improve quality and efficiency in the learning process, one of which is Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD. In Indonesia, learning a foreign language is an integrated process. However, the problem that occurs is that many students consider English difficult to learn, especially learning outside of school hours. Thus, the use of ICT-based media can gradually reduce thinking about the difficulty of English. The purpose of this research is to explore the use of ICT-based media both computers or mobile devices in improving English language skills in the "Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD" learning process. This study uses a mixed method approach with the subject of 35 students being sampled in Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD kelas VI A tahun 2019/2020, PG PAUD FKIP ULM. Data will be collected through questionnaires and interviews and observations made in class by two different assessors to avoid bias. The results showed that students had a positive response to the use of ICT (MALL applications) in learning Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUDs. The results of this study can be used as an alternative in learning Mata kuliah Bahasa Inggris Untuk AUD using ICT.Keywords: ICT, English learning

scholarly journals The Level and Sources of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety among Saudi EFL University Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Faye Alnahidh ◽  
Sultan Altalhab
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Moderate Level ◽  
Speaking Anxiety ◽  
Mixed Method Approach ◽  
English Class ◽  
Oral Presentations ◽  
Method Approach

This study aims to investigate the level and the sources of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety (FLSA). To achieve this aim, a mixed-method approach was used by implementing a questionnaire and interviews. Eighty-five female Saudi EFL university students completed the questionnaire. Six of the most highly anxious students were identified according to the questionnaire results and interviewed. The findings revealed that the participants experienced a moderate level of FLSA in their English class. In addition, there are several sources of FLSA, which can be listed in the following order: fear of making mistakes, forced participation, lack of vocabulary, lack of practice, lack of grammar. Participants also reported other sources of anxiety such as fear of making pronunciation mistakes, the negative attitude of teachers and the need to give oral presentations. Based on the results, the study reached a conclusion and constructed a set of recommendations.

scholarly journals Enhancing EFL Students’ Active Learning by Using ‘Formative’ on Mobile Devices

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (13) ◽  
pp. 252
Author(s):  
Paola Cabrera-Solano ◽  
Ana Quinonez-Beltran ◽  
Paul Gonzalez-Torres ◽  
Cesar Ochoa-Cueva ◽  
Luz Castillo-Cuesta
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
University Level ◽  
English Program ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Relevant Factors

The present study was aimed at analyzing the factors that contribute to engage students in active learning through Formative on mobile devices. It also focused on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ perceptions of using this tool for enhancing active learning. The participants were 82 adult on-site learners en-rolled in five different courses of an English program at a university level. In ad-dition, 5 English instructors were in charge of teaching the aforementioned stu-dents. An action-research design along with a mixed-method approach were used to analyze the data in this study. The information was gathered through diagnostic questionnaires, observations, and perceptions questionnaires. The results evi-denced that engagement, motivation, participation, and reduction in students’ anx-iety constitute the most relevant factors that contributed to involve students in ac-tive learning through the use of Formative on mobile devices. The tool was per-ceived as motivating and engaging because it allowed students to enhance active learning and get directly involved in the class activities to demonstrate their knowledge.

scholarly journals Using Pixton for Teaching EFL Writing in Higher Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 102-115
Author(s):  
Paola Cabrera-Solano ◽  
Paul Gonzalez-Torres ◽  
Cesar Ochoa-Cueva
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Private University ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Efl Writing ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Southern Ecuador ◽  
Writing Course ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Technological Tool ◽  
The Common

The study examined the use of Pixton to support the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL) writing to students at a private university in southern Ecuador. For this purpose, 52 EFL students (male and female, aged 19–24 years old) who were enrolled in a writing course participated in the study for a period of five months. At the start, most of these students had an A1+ proficiency level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The study employed an action research design. A diagnostic test was applied at the beginning of the instruction period, and, at the end, a final exam and a perceptions questionnaire were administered. The findings indicate positive perceptions about Pixton, and students’ online writing skills improved due to the pedagogical use of this technological tool. Furthermore, Pixton increased students’ engagement, motivation and dynamic work to a remarkable extent. Finally, an improvement was observed in aspects of students’ writing, such as grammar, vocabulary, coherence and cohesion.

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